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A cubist interpretation of a baseball player’s missed alarm, disrupting the team’s plans and exposing the importance of punctuality in professional sports.Kansas City Today
Kansas City Royals rookie catcher Carter Jensen was scratched from the lineup shortly before Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Twins after he slept through his alarm and failed to show up on time. Veteran catcher Salvador Perez had to return to his usual duties behind the plate, disrupting the team’s plans. Jensen took responsibility for the incident, acknowledging that he let his teammates and coaches down.
Why it matters
As one of the Royals’ top prospects, Jensen’s tardiness and absence from the lineup is a setback in his development and ability to contribute to the team. The incident also highlights the importance of professionalism and accountability for young players trying to establish themselves in the major leagues.
The details
Jensen was scheduled to start at catcher for the Royals, but was a late scratch after oversleeping and missing the team’s pregame preparations. Veteran Salvador Perez, who was expected to serve as the designated hitter, had to return to his usual catching duties. Jensen later admitted to reporters that he ‘slept through’ his alarm and had ‘no excuse’ for his tardiness, acknowledging that he felt he had let down his teammates and coaches.
The incident occurred just an hour and a half before the Royals’ Thursday afternoon game against the Minnesota Twins.
The players
Carter Jensen
A top prospect for the Kansas City Royals, the 6-foot, 210-pound catcher is ranked No. 16 overall by MLB Pipeline in 2026.
Salvador Perez
The 36-year-old veteran catcher for the Kansas City Royals, who had to return to his usual duties behind the plate after Jensen’s absence.
Matt Quatraro
The manager of the Kansas City Royals, who acknowledged Jensen’s mistake but took a supportive stance towards the young player.
Vinnie Pasquantino
The Royals’ first baseman, who criticized Jensen for his tardiness and urged him to take responsibility for the incident.
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What they’re saying
“’No running from it. Just didn’t wake up to my alarm. Slept through it. Don’t really have an excuse, nor should I. It sucks. Happens. I felt like I let my teammates down, coaches down. Just learn from it and know it won’t happen again.’”
— Carter Jensen
“’He’s a stand-up guy, a really hard worker, a great kid. He feels terrible. He’s accountable to it. It’s not something that has been a pattern or any of that kind of stuff. Nobody feels worse than he does, and I think he’ll admit to that. And we’ll move on.’”
— Matt Quatraro, Royals Manager
“’You got a 36-year-old catcher preparing to DH today and then his world gets a little rocked an hour and a half before the game that he’s not going to be DH-ing. Credit to Salvy today for being ready, first and foremost. We’re glad Carter’s OK, right? That was kind of the initial thought when you’re trying to get a hold of his parents and everything like that. But once you find out he’s OK, it’s like, ‘All right, it’s a growing moment.’”
— Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals First Baseman
What’s next
The Royals will continue to work with Jensen to ensure he develops good habits and professionalism as he establishes himself in the major leagues.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a wake-up call for the young Royals prospect, highlighting the importance of punctuality and accountability for players at the professional level. While the team is supportive, Jensen will need to learn from this experience and demonstrate his commitment to the team moving forward.